Verizon Moto G release confirmed for January 9

Putting an end to the rumors, Verizon Wireless has confirmed the release date and pricing for the Moto G. The handset will be joining the prepaid lineup as of January 9th and as was expected, it will be selling for $99.99. Verizon will initially have the Moto G available online, however the handset is also expected in retail stores sometime in the "coming weeks."

Aside from being a contract-free $99.99, those picking up the Moto G will need to look towards Verizon Wireless for service. The prepaid Verizon plans begin at $60 per month and climb depending on how much data you want and/or need. The prepaid plans all include unlimited talk and text. The $60 plan includes 2GB of data and that can be bumped to 4GB for an additional $10 per month.

As we have already seen with the Moto G, the handset packs a 4.5-inch 720p display and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor. Those considering a purchase can also expect to find 1GB of RAM, a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera and 2070 mAh battery. And while that number many not mean as much to everyone -- in our experience, the battery life on the Moto G proved to be solid.

While the Moto G has limited internal storage, and no microSD card slot for expansion -- it does come with a Google Drive offer. Assuming it is claimed within 30 days of activation, new Moto G users get 50GB of Drive storage free for two years.

Verizon has also said the Moto G will be launching with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. But as Motorola promised in the past -- Android 4.4 Kit Kat is on the way. According to Verizon, the 4.4 update is coming in the "near future." Aside from the Verizon specific Moto G, those in the US with a GSM Moto G have already been receiving the Kit Kat update.